State Capitol Legislative Internship Program

Jefferson City, Missouri January-May 2017

The Southeast Missouri State University State Capitol Legislative Internship Program
offers an opportunity for junior/senior students to spend a full semester (one full
legislative session) experiencing the inner-workings of state government by interning
with a state legislator, public official or state agency in Jefferson City. This
unique experiential learning opportunity will provide students with an inside look
at state government and the political process. The program is open to students from
all majors, however, it has shown to be of great benefit to students anticipating
careers in law, public affairs, government service, public relations, communications,
or business. The 2017 program has the added benefit of exposing students to the transfer
of power from one gubernatorial administration to another. Interested students should
review the FAQ section below and then submit the online application and supporting
materials should they wish to be considered for the program.

FAQ

What qualifications are necessary to participate in the Jefferson City Legislative
Internship?

Students wishing to participate in the program are required to have a minimum of 60
semester hours completed, and a cumulative GPA of 2.5. The internship is open to
any academic major. Students participating in the program must be self-directed/independent
learners. Successful candidates will be of sound character and possess qualities
that reflect positively upon themselves and Southeast Missouri State University.
Students selected to participate may be required to attend a training and informational
workshop during the fall 2016 semester at a date and time to be communicated after
final selections and assignments have been made.

When can you apply?

Any interested student should complete the online application form during the month
of October. The deadline for application is Friday, November 4, 2016. Students that
apply to participate in the program may be asked to participate in a screening interview
with a committee of faculty/staff. Students chosen to participate in the program
will be notified of their selection by Friday, November 18, 2016.

Is it a paid internship?

Each intern is granted a $3,000 stipend from the University to help defray the cost
of living and working in Jefferson City for a semester.

How are interns assigned?

The internship opportunities are limited and applying does not guarantee participation.
Upon receipt of all applications, a selection committee will review applicant materials
and make appropriate determinations. Successful applicants will then be notified
of their selection and assignment. The goal of intern assignment is to make the experience
a successful experiential learning opportunity for the participating student.

Does the intern need to have the same political affiliation as the public official?

No. However, the experience tends to be enhanced and more effective when interns
share similar views as the public official on important issues. Party preference
and issue positions are areas the selection committee may explore during potential
interviews. Any candidate that believes they will not be able to work to their full
and best ability for the public official they are assigned should not accept the position.

What is expected of the intern?

The expectation for intern productivity depends on the needs of the public official
to whom the intern is assigned. Typical duties include conducting legislative research
and reviewing legislation, attending committee hearings, writing press releases, working
with state agencies or Executive Branch offices, writing remarks or talking points
for the public official, responding to constituent inquiries, working with lobbyists
or other external stakeholders, participating in office meetings, providing tours
of the State Capitol, and much more. Loyalty and confidentiality are perhaps the
two most important expectations. While serving as a legislative intern, the intern
is expected to act and conduct themselves in the best interest of the public official
at all times, while also remembering they are a reflection of Southeast Missouri State
University.

What is the typical work schedule for a legislative intern?

Interns will typically work 40 hours per week. However, work schedules are at the
discretion of the public official. Students participating in the internship should
expect to work every day, Monday through Friday, and be available on call (late nights/early
mornings) at other times. The internship will run January through May and students
should expect to be in Jefferson City during this time.

Is credit available for the State Capitol Legislative Internship?

Yes. Participating students earn 12 hours of academic credit.

Does the University assist with housing in Jefferson City?

No. Students participating in the State Capitol internship are responsible for their
own housing. If multiple students are selected, sometimes several interns will rent
an apartment together to cut down on individual expenses. There is housing available
near the Capitol, however it is expensive. While the University cannot guarantee
assistance in finding or securing housing, students should seek help with prospective
housing should they need it and every effort will be made to connect them to available
resources.